Asessment of the advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen imports compared to domestic production
On behalf of the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE) and the State Association of Renewable Energies NRW (LEE NRW), DIW Econ GmbH, together with the Wuppertal Institute, has analysed the domestic production of green hydrogen from renewable energies in comparison to the import of hydrogen up to the year 2050. Taking into account the current study landscape on the forecast domestic hydrogen production and the realisable import costs, the associated additional value-added and employment effects were calculated using various scenarios. The use of otherwise regulated electricity to cover part of the expected hydrogen demand is also considered.
The results of the study show that imported hydrogen is generally not always cheaper, the decisive factor depending on the country of origin is the realisable electricity and transport costs. If the green hydrogen is produced in the country of origin instead, this will also have a positive effect on employment and added value. If the climate targets for 2050 are met, the additional value-added would be up to EUR 30 billion in 2050 if the strategy is strongly geared to domestic production, and up to 800,000 jobs could be created.
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